Chelsea have been crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions after a dominant 3-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Before a crowd of more than 81,000, Enzo Maresca’s team produced a fantastic performance based on organisation and clinical finishing.
Palmer Double Floors PSG in First-Half Blitz
The pick of the night was Cole Palmer who twice found the back of the net within eight minutes in the first half. His first, in the 22nd minute, was a low, curled finish after a stylish break that began with goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Eight minutes later, in the 30th minute, Palmer side-footed home again, having been fed inside the box after a quick give-and-go with Conor Gallagher, opening up PSG’s defence with deftness.
João Pedro made it 3-0 in the 43rd, running on to a clever through-ball from Palmero and lifting it over Donnarumma. Chelsea was finally the better of PSG, even if the French side was the one with more possession and more stars, such as Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé, because of their swift counter attacks, never-ending running, and tough defending.
Robert Sánchez made vital stops to deny Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and secure the shutout. Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah were equally impressive at the back, silencing their attacking threats all night.
Red Card, Chaos, and Chelsea’s Crowning Moment
PSG’s João Neves sparked controversy in the 85th minute when the referee, after a VAR review, showed him a red card for grabbing Marc Cucurella’s hair during a heated confrontation. Frustrations boiled over at full-time with Luis Enrique looking like he shoved João Pedro, but Donnarumma was quick to intervene and defuse the situation.
But despite all the drama, Chelsea were the history writers, toasting their second Club World Cup title. Reece James held the silverware as boos reverberated for Donald Trump, who handed out medals alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
This is Chelsea’s third major trophy under Maresca, having won the Conference League and secured Champions League qualification. The club’s revival remains under way — and maybe just starting.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
